Things to Do in Ciudad de México

The main square of Mexico City, second-largest public plaza in the world after Moscow's Red Square. Surrounded by the Metropolitan Cathedral, National Palace, and old government buildings.

🕐 Always open (square); National Palace Tue–Sun 9am–5pm, closed Mon

💡 Check the National Palace for free Diego Rivera murals – entry is free with ID (passport). The Zócalo itself is always open and free. Best light for photos is early morning before 9am.

Massive urban park three times the size of New York's Central Park – lakes, boating, a castle, zoo, and miles of walking paths. Entry to the main park is free.

🕐 Daily 5am–7pm

💡 Skip the crowded Sunday zoo. Instead, walk up to the Castillo de Chapultepec ($6 USD entry, free on Sundays) for killer views over the city.

One of the world's great archaeology museums, housing the Aztec calendar stone and vast halls of pre-Hispanic artefacts. The entrance fee is roughly $5 USD, but Sundays are free for Mexican residents and citizens.

🕐 Tue–Sun 9am–6pm, closed Mon

💡 Go on a Sunday if you can show Mexican residency, or visit after 1pm on weekdays when it's quieter. The garden outside has free outdoor exhibits.

Frida Kahlo's bright blue home in Coyoacán, preserved exactly as she lived – filled with her folk art, clothing, and personal objects. Entry is about $12 USD, but free on Tuesdays for Mexican residents.

🕐 Tue–Sun 10am–5:45pm, closed Mon

💡 Book online at least a week ahead – walk-ups rarely get in. Instead of paying, visit the free 'Frida Kahlo garden' across the street and browse the Coyoacán market for cheap souvenirs.

Enormous ancient city with the Pyramid of the Sun and Pyramid of the Moon – you can climb both. Entry is about $5 USD. Not central, but the highlight of any trip and cheap to reach by bus ($5 round trip).

🕐 Daily 8am–5pm

💡 Take the bus from Terminal del Norte (Gate 8) – leaves every 15 min from 7am. Arrive by 9am to beat crowds and heat. The site is free for Mexican residents on Sundays.